Summary for remove rust from a wok Discussion
rust from a wok can be removed safely with mild abrasion or a mild acid, then the wok should be re-oiled or re-seasoned to prevent future rust and odor. Dan Brewer recommends using an SOS pad or similar soapy steel wool pad to remove the rust, followed by vegetable oil to protect the surface. Jim Gorsich says citric acid can also remove rust, noting that soaking in lemon juice overnight cleared rust from a bolt without sanding or scrubbing, though the smell was unpleasant. In a later question, Beth Dunning asks about a “metal-y” smell after cleaning and seasoning; the reply warns that steel wool can cause that smell and suggests a plastic scouring pad instead, then re-seasoning with cooking oil or grease in a hot oven. The overall advice is to clean gently, avoid harsh metal abrasion when possible, and restore the seasoning afterward.
Dear Finishing.com,
I have a large heavy metal wok that I would like to put to use. It has rust on the bottom though. How do I remove rust from a wok? Thank you for your time.
Anita Usher
– Gilbert, Arizona, USA
2003
I would use an SOS pad
⇦ on
eBay or
Amazon [affil link] (or some other similar soapy steel wool pad). When the rust is gone, be sure to oil (with vegetable oil) the wok to prevent this from happening in the future.
Dan Brewer
chemical process supplier – Gurnee, Illinois
2003
A. Citric acid
⇦ on
or
Amazon [affil link] will remove rust. I once cleaned up a rusted bolt by soaking it in lemon juice over night. The rust was completely gone and no sanding or scrubbing was necessary. The smell was awful though – similar to rotten eggs.
Jim Gorsich
Compton, California, USA
2003
I have a very heavy metal wok. I seasoned it before I used it, but now after use and cleaning, it smells very “metal-y”. I would like to know if there is anyway I can clean the wok and re-season so it’s safe to use and doesn’t smell like that.
Beth Dunning
homemaker – Fall River, Wisconsin
2007
If you clean it with steel wool it is going to be “metal-y”, Beth. Use a plastic scouring pad and re-season it with cooking oil or grease and a hot oven. letter 4988 has some specific instructions.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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